An Advantageous Price Point

The Levante, Maserati's first SUV model, is a highly anticipated vehicle that made its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March of this year. As reported during its global debut, it is the first SUV developed by Maserati, the esteemed Italian marque with over 100 years of history. It joins the flagship "Quattroporte" and the premium mid-size sedan "Ghibli", as well as the sporty two-door coupe "GranTurismo" and its convertible counterpart, the GranCabrio, marking the fifth model in Maserati's production lineup.

At the Japan premiere event, Kazuo Makino, President of Maserati Japan, spoke about the Levante's characteristics: "While achieving on-road driving performance and comfort comparable to other Maserati models, the Levante offers off-road capability exceeding that of our previous lineups. This new model was born from the fusion of these two elements. Furthermore, as another distinguishing feature, it is the first Maserati designed to enhance everyday usability."

President Kazuo Makino

"While the Levante is generally classified as an SUV, we are proud to have created a new kind of Maserati. It embodies not only numerical specifications but also the unwavering passion for driving and the commitment to creating beautiful objects that have been with us since our founding as a racing car manufacturer over a century ago. We have preserved the tradition passed down through generations while birthing a new Maserati," Makino expressed his high expectations for the brand-new model.

The name "Levante" is derived from the easterly wind that blows across the Mediterranean Sea. Maserati has a tradition of naming its vehicles after winds, such as the "Bora," "Camsin," and "Shamal." The current "Ghibli" also takes its name from a hot, dry wind blowing across North Africa.

Furthermore, the Levante's name, in addition to evoking the Mediterranean wind, also references Via Emilia Levante in the Bologna region, a place significant to the Maserati brothers. This dual meaning, though perhaps a stretch, feels fitting for a vehicle that combines the qualities of a sports car with the off-road prowess of an SUV.

As President Makino stated, "The Levante is unmistakably a Maserati in the shape of an SUV." It is noteworthy that while developed based on the Ghibli's chassis, the Levante adopts a sporty front-engine, all-wheel-drive powertrain layout with a 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution. This chassis contributes to achieving the lowest center of gravity in the SUV segment, with an aerodynamic drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.31, the same as the Ghibli.

In essence, the Levante, with its SUV form, is an undeniable Maserati, embodying the brand's sporty identity and serving as a legitimate successor that upholds its traditions.

Three Powertrain Options

The flowing body, which unmistakably proclaims its Maserati identity, elegantly conceals a powerful, athletic physique—its performance. Although the vehicle's height is set lower than typical SUVs, making it less apparent, its dimensions of 5,003mm in length and 1,968mm in width are nearly equivalent to those of a Range Rover. The wheelbase is set slightly longer than the Range Rover's at 3,004mm. Thus, despite the illusion created by its lower stance, the Levante can be considered a full-size SUV on Japanese roads.

The front fascia draws inspiration from the new design language introduced with the concept car unveiled for Maserati's 100th anniversary, the "Alfieri", evident in its three-dimensional, large radiator grille and sharp headlights. Maserati plans to progressively adopt this front grille design as a key element across its other models.

Design elements that define a Maserati are also present, including the three air vents on the front fenders, the sculpted rear fenders, the Saetta logo emblem on the C-pillar, and the taillights with red lenses covering white turn signal and reverse lights.

The engine lineup consists of three variants: two gasoline and one diesel. The gasoline engines are 3-liter V6 DOHC twin-turbo units producing 350 ps and 430 ps, respectively. The diesel engine is a 3-liter V6 DOHC turbo unit generating 275 ps. All models feature V6 engines; there are no V8 options. The transmission is a ZF 8-speed automatic, offering four selectable modes: Normal, Sport, Off-road, and ICE, with manual and automatic variations available within each mode.

The exhaust system, which produces the signature evocative Maserati sound, is equipped with pneumatic bypass valves on each bank. In Normal mode, the cabin remains quiet with a subdued engine note. However, switching to Sport mode shortens the exhaust gas path, unleashing the engine's full performance and delivering the characteristic Maserati roar to stimulate the driver's sporting instincts.

Luxurious Interior

The advanced all-wheel-drive system is Maserati's intelligent full-time 4WD, known as the "Q4 AWD system." It is an on-demand system, largely based on the Ghibli's powertrain, which controls torque distribution between the front and rear axles based on road conditions and vehicle speed. The driver can constantly monitor this torque distribution via an indicator in the instrument cluster.

Additionally, all models come standard with Hill Descent Control for off-road use and the Skyhook suspension, which can raise the vehicle's height by 25mm or 40mm above the standard setting. This Skyhook suspension not only enhances off-road capability but also lowers the vehicle by 20mm or 35mm for high-speed driving, and can be lowered by up to 45mm for easier entry and exit when parked. It plays a crucial role in increasing ground clearance for off-road excursions and achieving sports-car-like handling on-road, especially at high speeds.

With the Skyhook suspension, the vehicle automatically lowers its height: to normal height up to approximately 90 km/h, to minus 20mm up to 130 km/h, and to the lowest setting of minus 35mm above 185 km/h. However, the driver can also manually select these settings.

The interior, while adhering to Maserati's design language with its simple layout, is another highlight, featuring abundant use of high-quality materials. An analog clock, a signature element for Maserati, is centrally positioned on the dashboard. In addition to sporty seats and a driver-focused steering wheel designed for optimal control, reflecting Maserati's racing heritage, the Levante offers a "Sport Pack" with extensive use of carbon fiber for a Spartan feel, and a "Luxury Pack" embodying Italy's tradition of fine craftsmanship.

The Luxury Pack includes "Full Premium Leather" and the option of the "Zegna Edition Interior," which combines custom silk from the Italian fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna with the finest Italian leather. To our knowledge, Maserati is the only current manufacturer to incorporate silk into its vehicle interiors. Furthermore, the standard "Air Quality Sensor," which analyzes external air quality and prevents harmful substances from entering the cabin, is a fitting feature for a luxury SUV.

Equipped with the Latest Infotainment

Complementing the classic Italian luxury, the Levante also boasts a comprehensive and up-to-date infotainment system. The 8.4-inch "Maserati Touch Control Plus (MTC PLUS)" system, located in the center of the dashboard, is the first in an Italian car in the Japanese market to support both "Android Auto" and "Apple CarPlay." It allows for control of audio, climate control, navigation, and smartphone-based phone functions with a smartphone-like interface.

The "MTC PLUS" also controls front seat heating, air conditioning, steering wheel heating, the glove box lock, and the optional rear window blinds. With "Apple CarPlay," drivers can perform desired iPhone operations while driving using the touchscreen, the rotary control on the center console, or voice commands via the Siri personal assistant.

The price is set at 10.8 million yen for the 350 ps "Levante" and 12.79 million yen for the 430 ps "Levante S," both available only in left-hand drive. The diesel model, available only in right-hand drive, is scheduled for release next spring, with pricing yet to be announced.

Deliveries for both gasoline engine models are scheduled to begin in September, as mentioned earlier. Prior to the actual vehicle deliveries, an event titled "Maserati Levante Dealer Roadshow," featuring an early display of the Levante, will be held at authorized dealerships until August 1.